music – LizMargaret

November 8, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #17 | Intentional

The profile // about the artist

Travis Greene

American gospel musician and pastor
From Delaware (leads Forward City Church in Columbia, South Carolina)

The pull // why i like it

There’s no way you can listen to this song and not receive something from it. The lyrics confirm God’s goodness over and over. Add strong instrumentals, and the song instantly becomes a powerful anthem. I’ll admit I’ve had this one on repeat for quite a few days now.

The message // what it means

God is intentional with his work. He is faithful in who He is, never changing, never failing. How can we not put our trust in Him? God uses all things for a purpose and an amazing purpose. So, whatever happens, good or bad, we can trust that He has everything under perfect control.

I know that He’s intentional
Yes, He is
He’s been doing it for a long time
And I’ll be giving my trust now
I’ll be giving my praise now
He’s intentional
And He’s never failing

The call // best to listen when

You need a strong reminder of God’s character. If you’re going through a difficult time or just want to praise the Lord, tune in and worship Him in freedom and joy.

July 6, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #16 | Here as in Heaven

The profile // about the artist

Elevation Worship

Contemporary worship music band
From Elevation Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)

The pull // why i like it

“Here As In Heaven” is a beautiful reminder of the Lord’s Prayer. God’s plan will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven. Plus, just as this song is reminiscent of God’s overwhelming love, the instrumentals itself are so amazingly overwhelming. There’s something assuring and refreshing about the music, especially with the video of live worship.

The message // what it means

Something changes when the Holy Spirit is in the midst. We need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives as we follow Christ. Our lives and hearts are changed when we let God take control–and this change isn’t a destination but a continual process.

A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here

The call // best to listen when

You want to be encouraged by God’s promises and love. His love is enough alone, and He is at work. I love listening to this song alone in my quiet devotional or prayer time.

April 19, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #15 | Fill Me Up

The profile // about the artist

United Pursuit

Christian worship band
From Knoxville, Tennessee

[Previous #WW Posts Here: 1]

The pull // why i like it

If a song has an acoustic vibe, there’s a 90% chance I’ll like it. Sneak in additional instrumentals, and I’ll love it. Overall, United Pursuit is a dynamic, powerful worship band, so this song’s a clear winner in my book.

The message // what it means

God’s love is endless. It’s a love that surpasses everything, a love we can never stop learning. Things in this world only provide temporary satisfaction, but His love is one that meets us where we are and satisfies what we’re looking for.

Love of God overflow
Permeate all my soul
Fill me up God

The call // best to listen when

You need to rest in who God is. Don’t wait until you’ve exhausted other options. Oftentimes, hearing His voice begins with us opening our mouths in worship and restating who He is. Seek Him first, and watch what He does.

April 5, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #14 | Purge Me

The profile // about the artist

Urban Doxology

Worship band and music ministry
From Church Hill, Richmond, VA

The pull // why i like it

This song is so raw. A sincere cry to the Lord in utter surrender. I’ve listened to this song through so many tough times just in worship. It always reminds me of God’s goodness, even when I feel like I can’t see what He’s doing in the midst of hardship.

The message // what it means

Trusting in God is a process, but even when we have problems, we can CHOOSE Him. He is still sovereign. He still reigns! The enemy lost when Christ Jesus defeated death on the cross to save us–and even so, He still saves us in our much smaller, daily challenges.

I’m crying out

I’m desperate for you

And I’m not afraid to open my heart and give you all

We’ll declare your name

Jehovah reigns despite our problems

And through the pain We’ll learn to trust in you

The call // best to listen when

You need to cry out to the Lord. Declare the truth of the Word: God is in control–and He’s a God of deliverance. He has you–call out to Him.

March 23, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #13 | He Will Hold Me Fast

The profile // about the artist

Norton Hall Band

Praise and worship band
From The Institute for Biblical Worship

The pull // why i like it

I heard this song on Spotify, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Beautiful instrumentals–(Love the violin!) Strong vocals. Powerful lyrics.

The message // what it means

No matter what the enemy throws at us, Christ Jesus promises to keep us and sustain us, and He will. The Lord spoke these words, so He will fulfill them. He delights in us, wants the best for us, and can set us free. All it takes is childlike faith to allow Him to work.

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

The call // best to listen if

You need a reminder of Christ’s love and promises for you. I love that this song repeats Christ WILL hold us. Claiming God’s promise is often the first step in seeing it manifest in our lives.

March 8, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #12 | Seasons Change

The profile // about the artist

United Pursuit

Christian worship band
From Knoxville, Tennessee

The pull // why i like it

A friend of mine introduced me to this band, and I binge-listened to them on Spotify. Needless to say, I was hooked–especially to this song. Its calming melody always brings me into worship and acknowledging God for who He says He is.

The message // what it means

God is faithful and loving, and He is truly enough. Although the world around us, people and circumstances in our lives change, He does not change. His character and promises remain the same, and we can have confidence in that.

“Lord you’ve been faithful to plant the seeds
And you will be faithful to always send your rain”

The call // best to listen if

You need a reminder of who God is. There’s something beautiful in this worship, declaring the truth of His character over and over again…”Though the seasons change, Your love remains.”

February 25, 2017January 8, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Feature Fridays, Worship Wednesdays

Quick Update: Feature Fridays!

Happy Friday, readers!

I often listen to powerful messages on YouTube that have challenged my faith and given me fresh insight into God’s character. So I figured, why not feature these videos and share this content on LizMargaret?

I’d like to introduce a new series called Feature Fridays–quick insights from Christian YouTubers or sermons to fuel and encourage you after a long week!

This will be a biweekly series (every other week), and the first feature will start next Friday, March 3. For the alternating weeks, I will be restarting Worship Wednesdays–where I feature a worship song or Christian artist/band that I’ve been loving. The first 2017 Worship Wednesdays post will be on March 8. Check out more info about Worship Wednesdays here.

Also, if there are Christian YouTubers or music artists you’d like for me to feature, submit your requests here.

Get excited, and have a wonderful weekend!

July 16, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #11 | Great I Am

The profile // about the artist

New Life Worship

Christian worship band (singers, musicians, songwriters)
From Colorado Springs, Colorado (New Life Church)

The pull // why i like it

Another one of my favorite worship songs, “Great I Am” is so focused on who God is. Caught up in our daily lives and busyness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of forgetting the mightiness of God, but worship puts the focus back on Him. “Great I Am,” full of praises, is the mindset we need to carry every day.

The message // what it means

God is worthy of our worship and praise. There is nothing too hard for Him, nothing impossible, He is the most holy–He is our awesome God. His name itself is powerful. As followers of Christ, we have access to a powerful, eternal God.

“There is no power in hell

Or any who can stand

Before the power and the

Presence of the Great I Am”

The call // best to listen when

Any day. Like I previously mentioned, this song reminds me of the mindset that we should always have towards our God. Singing praises to Him and claiming His promises bring much glory and honor to Him.

July 3, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #10 | Voice of Truth

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

Check out previous Casting Crowns #WorshipWednesdays posts:

1 (Dream for You)

The pull // why i like it

This song reminds me that following God is absolutely countercultural–in the best possible way. When you decide to accept Christ and trust in Him, you learn not to fear what the world fears. Instead you can be eternally-minded, in peace because of His promises, at rest because He gives you rest, and stable because of His love.

The message // what it means

Ever feel like life gets a bit “noisy”? It often seems hard to know which direction to take because there are so many opinions in our daily lives and online. However, when we have a solid relationship with Christ, we have access to the “voice of truth.” While the world will try to tell you who you are, where you should go, and what you should fear, God’s voice is the one that speaks the truth about your identity and that there is no reason to fear. It’s up to us to reject the voices that take life away from us and listen to the One who speaks life into us.

“Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth”

The call // best to listen if

You’re struggling with fear and confusion. Both are easy ways that the enemy can deceive us and steer us away from the course God has set out for us. But when we worship God and study His Word–when we listen to His voice–we will have victory over the enemy’s lies.

June 30, 2016January 9, 2018 Liz Blog, Faith, Worship Wednesdays

Worship Wednesdays #8 | Dream for You

The profile // about the artist

Casting Crowns

Contemporary Christian rock band
From Daytona Beach, Florida

The pull // why i like it

Casting Crowns has been one of my favorite bands for years. I heard “Dream for You” a few months ago, and I love that this song is refreshing and uplifting. When we follow God, we allow the space for His amazing plan to manifest itself in our lives.

The message // what it means

The God we read in the Bible is the same God today. This song incorporates the narratives of many well-known Bible figures like David, Mary, and Joseph, and although they each had different stories, God pulled them through great difficulty, remaining true to His character. It’s easy for us to separate ourselves from those we read in the Word, but this is our portion as well. Just as God acted on behalf of those who honored Him in the past, He does the exact same today.

“I’m stronger than you think I am

I’ll take you farther than you think you can

You sing and call me Great I Am

So take your stand”

The call // best to listen when

You need encouragement. Every time I hear this song, it not only puts me in a good mood, but it reminds me that no matter what’s going on, God is and has always been in control.